Make Your Voice Heard: Two Ways
Use our sample language below to take action by May 5 in one of two ways:
- Submit your comments to the committee electronically via the House Public Comment
portal.
- Enter your contact information
- Under “Comments regarding,” select “Bills and Topics”; choose “Provision of Services for Texans with IDD” from dropdown menu
- Enter your comments in the text box (3,000 character limit), and use sample language provided below, along with your
experience
- When finished, click red “Submit” button at bottom right
- Call or email your member of the Texas House and Texas Senate to urge them to prioritize funding for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Texans with IDD need to live in their homes and communities. Find out who represents you in the Texas Legislature here.
Sample Language
Use this language, paired with your experience, on the comment portal, on a call, or by sending an email.
Subject: Invest in
Community Services for Texans with IDD
Dear Members of the House Human Services Committee,
I urge you to strengthen and expand access to community-based services for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who rely on a combination of vital supports, including Medicaid, Home and
Community-Based Services (HCBS), local IDD authorities, and family support, to live independently and remain in their communities. Too often, people wait decades for these services, and more than 196,000 Texans with disabilities are currently waiting for access to a HCBS waiver. Even after gaining access, many struggle to find consistent support due to ongoing workforce shortages. This reality places immense strain on individuals and families and makes it difficult to maintain stability. I urge
the Committee to prioritize solutions that create a responsive system of supports, ensuring Texans with IDD can access the services they need in a timely manner and achieve a high quality of life.
Sincerely,
[Your
Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]